What jobs does a marine biologist do?

I'm considering a career in marine biology and wondering what specific jobs marine biologists do. Is it mainly research and fieldwork, or are there other roles I should know about?

Marine biology is a diverse field with a range of different opportunities that go beyond just research and fieldwork! While these are certainly key components, there are many other roles that marine biologists can fill.

Many marine biologists do indeed focus on research and fieldwork, studying aspects of marine life ranging from the smallest microorganisms to the largest marine mammals, and everything in between. Fieldwork might involve collecting data or samples from marine environments, while research involves analyzing these data or samples to answer specific scientific questions.

You may also find marine biologists working in the sphere of conservation - both on a field level and in policy development. These professionals aim to protect and restore marine ecosystems and the biodiversity they house. This could mean working with government agencies, NGOs, and/or environmental consultancies to create or implement policy and initiatives.

There are also opportunities in marine biology education and outreach, at institutions such as aquariums and marine science centers, or through public education programs. These roles involve teaching others about marine life and the importance of marine conservation, and might involve delivering public talks, designing educational materials, or coordinating community science programs.

There are also a number of marine biologists who work in the private sector, employing their expertise in a commercial manner. This might include roles in agri-aquaculture firms or bio-tech companies that develop new technologies or strategies related to marine biology.

Finally, some marine biologists use their expertise in roles involving science communication or science journalism – disseminating knowledge about marine biology to the public through writing or other media.

In summary, there's a huge diversity of roles within marine biology, and many potential career paths you could pursue within this field!